Essay name: The Sculptures of Madan-Kamdev (Study)
Author:
Kamal Nayan Patowary
Affiliation: Gauhati University / Department of History
The essay critically studies the Sculptures of Madan-Kamdev: an archaeological site in Baihata Chariali, Kamrup, Assam (India) dating back to the 9th century A.D. The site features elegant sculptures in relief and round forms which are documented in Sanskrit texts like the Kalika Purana and Yogini Tantra.
Chapter 2 - Madan-Kamdev through the ages鈥擜 hypothetical analysis
3 (of 50)
External source: Shodhganga (Repository of Indian theses)
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triodasi tithi. But the people of this locality tried to acclaim the
description of this sloka in connection with the traditional
celebration of Madan triodasi tithi at this famous temple site. The
kam triodasi is the main utsava, which being celebrated every year
in a traditional way of pomp and grandeur at this temple complex
at Madan-Kamdeva.2 While examining the linkage of this
description of auspicious celebration with Madan-Kamdeva, it is
interesting to find that, Yogini Tantra itself nullify the supposition.
The reference to the celebration of kam triodasi tithi is there in
the Tantra simply in connection of one Baranasi kunda, situated
on the eastern side of Apurnabhaba with an extension of seven
dhenu.鲁 The Tantra states that on the auspicious occasion of Madan
triodasi tithi who take holy deep at Baranasi Kunda would free
from all sorts of sin.4
Giving a further celearification about the geographical
location of Baranasi Kunda, the Tantra in one of its advising note
stated that people should take holy bath at Baranasi Kunda prior
to his visit to lord Kamaleshwar.5 According to Maheshwar Neog,
the temple of Lord Kamaleshwar is situated on the Gokarna
parvat.6 Gokarna being referred as an entrance to the heaven."
The people should take holy deep first at Apurnabhaba kunda
It is on the occasion of Kam triodasi tithi, people under grounded
two long bamboo tree with red flags at their top and worship
there. This is a popular custom to follow every nock and corner of
lower Assam on the occasion of the celebration of annual Bhatheli
Scholars believe that Bhatheli is a converted form of Indra Puja or
a form of workshop of Madan -Kamdeva in search of fertility.
Bargohain, J.K. : Asomar Utsav Aru Puja(As),2004, p.104
Y.T., 2/9/50.
2.
3.
4.
5.
34567 -
Ibid.
Ibid, 2/9/118.
6. Neog, M.(ed.) : Prabitra Asom(As)1991, p.234.
7.
Y.T -2/9/116.
